Your top questions about being a live-in carer
After 30 years of working with compassionate and skilled home carers, there isn’t a question we haven’t heard before. From the recruitment process to assignment details, below you will find answers to our most common questions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, then please do contact us directly.
How do I become a live-in carer with Patricia White’s?
As our carers work independently within a client’s own home it is essential that we complete a robust selection process.
This includes an initial telephone screening, interview, reference checks and a DBS check.
To be shortlisted for interview you will need to meet the following criteria in full:
- Proof of eligibility to work in the UK
- Agreement to complete the relevant DBS checks
- A minimum of 6 months’ experience in a care environment
- Two professional references, one must be from your current or previous employer
- Evidence of professional development including any training certificates
Self-employed live-in carer FAQs
Live-in care assignments can be nationwide, but our clients predominantly live in London and South East England. You will live in the client’s home and be on hand to help provide care, cook for them and undertake household tasks. Assignments are typically 8-12 weeks’ long.
Waking night duty – the carer is on call at all times during the night and is awake, alert and making certain the client is sleeping, resting or at least safe, sound and secure.
Sleeper duty – The carer is on hand in the client’s home, for them to call as they need. A bed is requested for the carer, but you have peace of mind that there is someone on hand if required.
Our recommended daily rates range between £114 – £159 per day, meaning you can earn up to £4,750 (before tax) in a single month, more if working bank holidays within that period.
You can also claim travel expenses and will have accommodation and most food provided for you by your clients.
Bank Holiday pay rates are double the standard rates.
Travel allowance – this should always be agreed in advance of the assignment. You can charge for travel on arrival and departure. For live-in care assignments, this will be a maximum equivalent of a second-class train ticket from London (or their starting location if closer) to the destination; and will be added to the client’s invoice.
Client meals – carers are there to prepare meals for the Client(s) they are looking after; should additional family members, or guests, wish to have food prepared then this needs to be agreed in advance
Work & rest time – though live-in care is unmeasured work, daily average hours should be a maximum of 10 hours care, plus a 2-hour break at a time suitable to the Client. Should care be required during this period additional support should be arranged.
Wake fee – if you are woken during the night by the client, you can charge a “waking fee”. This charge is set at £12 for a single call and raises to a maximum of £24 should several calls occur. Multiple awakenings need to be reported to the office.
The carer is responsible for invoicing clients directly each week for any expenses.
If you meet the following criteria, we would love to hear from you:
- Do you have the right to work in the UK?
- Do you have at least 6 months’ experience and possess up to date training certificates or be willing to pay for training?
- Are you well-spoken, and fluent in written and spoken English?
- Are you willing to work 2-12 weeks at a time?
- Are you organised, with effective communication and reporting skills?
- Are you honest, kind, respectful, gentle in nature and above all, always prepared to go the extra mile for clients?
- Are you happy to provide care for clients, including those with dementia?
- Have you got sufficient stamina and are you happy working in isolation?
- Are you physically fit and able to cope with demanding daily routines and household tasks?
- Do you possess good cooking skills and have experience running and maintaining a home?
- Can you carry out other household duties such as opening cans and unscrewing bottle tops?
- Do you like animals and are you happy to in a house with pets? This is desirable but not compulsory.
- Do you hold a valid a driving license? This is desirable but not compulsory.
Only those with a British/EU Passport or a British Ancestry Visa may apply to become a carer. Patricia White’s cannot sponsor applicants or assist those needing to obtain a work visa.
Yes – you must have a minimum of 6 months’ experience in a care environment and evidence of professional development including any training certificates.
Most of our assignments will involve working with clients with dementia or early onset dementia, so you will need to be comfortable supporting them.
No – we are unable to sponsor applicants or assist those needed to obtain a work visa. Only those with a British/EU Passport or a British Ancestry Visa may apply to become a carer with Patricia White’s.
Yes, providing that you have the following:
- Proof of your right to work in the UK
- A transferable DBS
- A current CV
- Any relevant training certificates
- Contact details of two professional references
Live-in assignments are typically 2-12 weeks long in duration, but can be longer if desired.
Once interviewed and offered to become compliant you need to provide:
- Proof of your right to work in the UK
- A transferable DBS certificate
- Training certificates
- Proof of address, i.e. a utility bill
Apply to work with Patricia White’s today
With an ever expanding client base, we are always interested in hearing from well-spoken, experienced, self-employed carers, who can deliver exceptional levels of care as well as operate with the utmost discretion. Join our growing team and existing base of over 200 carers today.
